Tell us about your project. What inspired the idea?

My thesis project, Memento Vitae, is a collection of infrared photographs of my body after losing 125 pounds in 12 months from dieting. Accompanying the photographs are sculptures made with pitch—a black substance that slowly deforms over time at room temperature.

Already immunocompromised and in the midst of a global epidemic, I became convinced my health was in jeopardy. Excess skin will always accompany extreme weight loss. Paradoxically, this meant the healthier I became, the more my physique began to visually resemble someone much older and frailer—morphing my body into my own personal, living memento mori.

What most surprised you once you started working on the project?

I am a very private person. Yet I found comfort and catharsis in the act of revealing the aberrations of my skin in such detail. Even more so, I am surprised that it garnered as much intrigue from others as it has.

What was a personal highlight of living and studying in New York City?

The sound. There is a constant beat when you live in the heart of a city that you do not hear anywhere else. Maybe it is strange, but I would always keep my window open at night because the background noise constantly reminded me of the world progressing forward—with or without me.

What is something you learned at SVA that you’ll always take with you?

I learned to make time for others. Some of my favorite moments were going out to dinner with peers and listening to them talk about where they came from or what they worked on that day. I regret not doing that enough.

Was there a teacher or course that was essential for you?

Liz Deschenes—she was my thesis advisor for my final year of study.

Was there a favorite piece of advice that she shared with you?

It wasn’t what she said but what she did not say. She allowed you to answer your own questions.

What advice do you have for current students in your program?

Never squander opportunity—always give it your all. My grandfather used to say, “It is better to be one hour early than one minute late.” You would be surprised what effect that actually has for you—and those around you.

To see a complete list of the 2022 Alumni Scholarship Award recipients, click here. For more information about how to apply for the 2023 Alumni Scholarship Awards, click here. To Support the Talent this year, you can make a donation online at sva.edu/give.

Features

The MFA Photography, Video and Related Media graduate was recognized for his photography and sculpture thesis project, ‘Memento Vitae’